Spot Cleaning Tips - Crayons

Treat
spills and stains immediately. The longer the spot remains in the
carpet, the more difficult it will be to remove. Remove spots
before they dry.

Blot
up as much of the spot a possible using a clean absorbent white
towel or paper towel. If the spot is solid or semi-solid, scrape
up with a spatula or rounded spoon. Be careful not to damage the
carpet fibers. If the stain is solid, vacuum away as much as
possible.

Next
pretest any spot removal agent in a inconspicuous area of the
carpet to make certain it will not damage the carpet fibers or
dye.

To
remove the spot, apply a small amount of cleaning solution to the
stain or to a white absorbent towel and gently blot away the spot.
Do not use a very soapy solution as it will be difficult to
completely remove and the residue left in the carpet will resoil
more rapidly. Keep applying solution to a fresh area of the towel
and continue to blot until the stain is completely removed. Work
from the outside of the spot toward the center, being careful not
to spread the stain around.

Do not
brush or scrub the spot as this may cause carpet fiber damage.

Repeat
step 4 as long as there is a transfer of the stain to the towel.
You may have to use another spot removal agent if the spot is not
completely removed by the first agent.

After
you have removed the spot as much as possible, rinse area with
water and blot dry. Next, apply about a 1/2 inch layer of paper
towels over the spot and weight down with a book or other heavy
flat object. Change the paper towels when they become saturated
and allow spot to dry overnight. Remove towels and gently brush
the carpet pile with your fingertips to raise the pile. The idea
here is that any remaining spot should absorb into the paper
towels and vanish from the carpet. This procedure is also good for
a spot that reappears after you have removed it. Sometimes it
might take two or three applications.

The keys to remember: act quickly,
do not let the spot dry if possible, use small amounts of cleaning
solution - do not overwet, always blot, do not rub or brush, work
from the outside in toward the middle of the spot, and be patient.
Some stains respond very slowly, and some stains cannot be removed
due to the fibers and dyes. Professional help may be needed. But
take heart - most spots can be removed if cleaned immediately.

Spotting Solutions
Be prepared and always have some cleaning solutions on hand. The
following are cleaning agents suitable for quick spot removal:

A
special purpose spot removal detergent (available at your
supermarket or from a professional cleaner). Or you can make your
own using a weak solution of liquid dish detergent (about 1/2
teaspoon to a quart of warm water).

Dry
cleaning solvent available at the supermarket.

A weak
acetic acid solution using one part white vinegar to two parts
water.

Ammonia solution using two tablespoons of ammonia to one pint of
water.

POG -
paint, oil and grease remover available at the hardware stores.

Nail
polish remover - a satisfactory spot remover for nail polish and
other similar spills. This remover should be tested first in an
inconspicuous area of the carpet to make sure no damage occurs.

Rust
Remover - generally this product is available in supermarkets. One
product that works is made by Whink Products Co. in Eldora, IA.
This product is dangerous as it contains Hydrofluoric Acid.
Extreme caution must be used when using any rust remover product.
Always use heavy-duty household rubber gloves when working with
any rust remover product.